48 hours in copenhagen

DAY ONE 

Grand Canal Boat Tour

• cost: 80DKK (or 11eur, A$16, GBP8, US$12)
• departs from: Gammel Strand 
• how long? 1 hour 
• when? morning is usually better 

Boat tours in general are absolutely amazing but this one is one of my favourite amongst all. Every waterfront city that I go to, I always make sure there is an amazing boat tour to do because you can't get closer to the beauty of such cities, but by boat. There are a few companies doing the tour, with several pick up locations. I went with Stromma, so I will recommend it. If you get on at Gammel Strand the tour will last longer and you'll have a very nice seat, although a lot of people tend to start from Nyhavn. During one hour, the large but very low boat will take you around the canals of the city and under very very low bridges - contrast this from Paris! They will also take you out of the city, where canals merge with the sea and you'll be able to have a look at the famous little mermaid. Morning are better, especially if the weather is nice so then you have the whole day to explore the city!

New Harbour (Nyhavn)

This is fast and foremost the 'popular' and 'touristy' area if Copenhagen. Yet, it did blow my mind when I got there. Touristy does not mean trashy, this area is beautiful. You'll easily be amazed by the colourful houses and majestic sail boats. Postcard landscape guaranteed! There are loads of places to eat, but I would simply recommend a romantic picnic by the harbour, especially if you can't afford it. Just soak up the sun and live the life. I would strongly suggest visiting this area on the first day, either before or after the boat tour as both location are fairly close to one another.

Strøget

I would easily, in between those two activities, walk around the main shopping street. The latter is said to be the longest pedestrian street in the wolrd! You'll encounter Strøget on your way to Nyhavn but should you be short on time, you can always stroll around on your way back. The streets are lovely with old school pavements that reminded me like Provence. Do buy a belgian waffle on the way because they are delish and cheap! Definitely quite a bit of a walk, but worth the boutiques and hidden churches on the way. 

DAY TWO

KBH Market (Torvehallerne) 

• cost: free
• where? Nørreport station 
• when? 10am-7pm Mon-Thu, 10am-8pm Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, 11am-5pm Sun 

Depending on the time you get up and how hungry you are, get your directions to the KBH Market, aka food paradise. You can discover a bunch of different food ranging from local to international but I would definitely try anything local that appeals to you because you won't find it anywhere else. My personal recommendation is the infamous Smørrebrød (Danish tartines) - there is only one stand that sells them and you can't miss it. You won't because you you have to eat at least one of the those beauties. Also, there is a delicious juice bar right next to it.

Botanical Gardens (Botanisk Have)

• cost: free
• where? København K, Nørreport station will do 
• when? 8.30am-4pm Mon-Sun  

Another beauty of the city: the botanical gardens. You can both visit the park surrounding the covered gardens, and the gardens itself. The inside will have all the tropical plants, which is my favourite part of any botanical gardens, simply because you can have a journey around the world at no cost. The outside area will probably be a lot more interesting in the summer! If you love botanical gardens that reflect the faune and flora from all over the world, do check the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.

Rosenbord Castle (Rosenborg Slot) 

• cost: 105DKK for adults, 60DKK for students 
• where? same district as the botanical gardens, København K 
• when? time will vary depending on seasons but currently 10am-2pm Tue-Sun 

A must see, especially if you like museums and royal history. It was built in the 17th Century and represents the epitome of Danish royal family lifestyle. You'll also be able to see the jewellery of the royal family. As you go there, or as you come out, make sure you do so via the park that surrounds the castle. It beautiful and open to the public. 

Tivoli

• cost: 100DKK to get in, plus 220DKK unlimited rides tickets 
• where? København V
• when? from Apr-Sep, 11am-11pm Sun-Thu, 11am-12am Fri-Sat 

If you're the type of person that like rides, finish off the day at Tivoli! You can go there to simply visit the gardens, in which case you'll only pay for the admission fee or you can also add up an unlimited rides tickets if you wish. Don't buy rides on a single ticket as you'll end up paying more- the multi ride ticket will be the best option if you plan to ride twice or more. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: 

• from the airport: train is cheapest and fastest but there are other modes available, have a look here
• getting around: most people cycle in Copenhagen, but I walked around the whole time! Perfect exercise. Be careful with the cyclists, though, they have the monopoly!
• bakery for on-the-go breakfast: Lagkagehuset, my favourite 'chain' bakery I've seen everywhere in Copenhagen. Their pastries are priceless!